FWF Wittgenstein Award

FWF Wittgenstein Award is FWF (Austrian Science Fund)'s highest-value individual research prize and one of Austria's most prestigious basic-research awards. It recognises outstanding researchers in any discipline for a record of international standing and major contributions to their field, with selection by nomination rather than self-application. Each award is worth €2 million, the programme runs annually, and cycles typically name one to two recipients. Eligible candidates must hold permanent employment at an Austrian research institution, be no older than 60 at nomination, and have had their centre of vital interests in Austria for at least one year. Institutional leaders and previous award winners act as nominators, and an international jury reviews the slate before recommendation to the FWF Scientific Board. The award suits researchers whose work already carries clear field-shaping weight and who can use a major unrestricted prize to consolidate long-horizon scientific leadership. It is not an entry point for early-stage teams; it is a recognition route for senior researchers whose contribution is already established and visible well beyond Austria.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.